Choose a topic for your paper and test it in advance. Some topics sound excellent until you sit down to begin researching and realize there is no research available or the topic is overdone. Test a few topics at your library or on the Web to get an idea of the available resources.
Set a schedule for writing your paper. Give yourself time for research, outlines, drafting, editing, revisions and a final draft. Depending on the size of the paper, you may need several weeks to ensure success.
Compile notes related to your topic. Read through several resources and highlight any information that seems pertinent to what you are going to write. Note the book and page number of each piece of information in a separate notebook. Read your sources a second time to get an idea of the overarching idea created by your notes, and read the sources a third time to select the strongest and most relevant pieces.
Draft an outline of your paper. Include an introduction that includes your thesis statement, a few body paragraphs that support your claims, and a conclusion that sums everything up and restates the thesis. Feature hard evidence or quotes as well as your commentary in each body paragraph.
Read your outline to ensure your paper seems cohesive and data is evenly balanced throughout. Make certain each paragraph is roughly equal in terms of the amount of data presented. Check to see if your thesis remains supported from start to finish.
Write your first draft. Do not worry about minor spelling errors or grammar. Focus solely on working your outline into a full essay. Once you have everything on paper, begin fine-tuning and proofreading.
Read your first draft to yourself and rewrite it. Rewriting a draft allows you to clarify important points and shave off unnecessary statements, and gives you a chance to punch up the writing along the way.
Ask a friend or teacher to proofread your second draft for grammar, clarity and spelling. Make any necessary changes before proceeding to the final draft.
Type up your final draft and give it a thorough scan for any remaining issues. If desired, have the same friend or teacher read the final draft again to suggest last-minute changes.